News Details

Short-term budget needed to avoid capital construction delays

6/17/2016

Without spending authority on July 1, more than 800 active road projects worth about $2 billion and employing about 25,000 workers are at risk, and vital capital improvement projects affecting correctional centers, K-12 schools, universities and veterans homes will sit idle for a second year.

On June 15, Department of Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn joined the Governor in calling for a resolution to the budget impasse, warning that road construction and improvement projects will shut down July 1, creating safety concerns for motorists, adding significantly to project costs, and resulting in the loss of thousands of construction jobs.

Capital Development Board Executive Director Jodi Golden also noted that the lack of spending authority forced the suspension of a number of active construction projects across the state last year, and threatens the loss of a second construction season this year. She said many routine maintenance issues have turned into safety concerns, and the state is seeing its facilities deteriorate and incurring costs on a daily basis. Halting these construction projects also put jobs on hold for many workers.

You can watch the press conference with the Governor, Blankenhorn and Golden online by clicking here.